" [1]Africa’s decision to have a common voice at the UN Sustainable Development Conference will help advance the continent’s agenda at international conferences, ending past marginalization, the NEPAD Agency has said.
The declaration was made in Rio de Janeiro this week by Estherine Fotabong, Director of Programmes at NEPAD, at a workshop organized by the Agency on the side lines of the Rio+20 Summit.
“It can be submitted that the dynamics of major international negotiations, including in this conference, have change positively as a result of Africa’s participation with a common voice and position with strong leadership and coordination at all levels,” said Fotabong, who represented NEPAD’S Chief Executive Officer Ibrahim Mayaki at the event.
She said the creation of the African Union and NEPAD Agency marked a new political and economic beginning for the continent in which Africans themselves are showing new determination to bring about change. She urged the global community to renew its concrete commitment to the sustainable development agenda of NEPAD by demonstrating leadership and supporting the continent to achieve its development objectives. NEPAD’s agenda includes reducing poverty in Africa, boosting food and nutrition security in a manner that does not damage the environment and also to become an active player in the global economy.
“We are convinced that working with our member states and development partners, the future of Africa is bright,” said Fotabong
Speaking at the same event, Henri Djombo, Minister of Sustainable Development, Forestry Economy and Environment in the Republic of the Congo and the Chief Coordinator for Africa at the summit, called for more resources, improved skills and technology for Africa to accelerate the pace of long-lasting development.
Apart from the workshop, The NEPAD Agency has been actively participating in other events at Rio+20. The Agency was represented at the Africa Day hosted by the African Union. The delegation in Rio has also been involved in meetings on the green economy, which aims to improve human wellbeing while reducing environmental risks.
